Side eye is not playing

In numerous societies, such as the Yoruba of Nigeria and the Baganda of Uganda, lowering one's gaze is far more than a simple greeting; it reflects a structured community that highly prioritizes respect for ancestral wisdom and elders. In these frameworks, a downcast or averted gaze signifies submission and acknowledgment of another's higher social standing or seniority.  In contrast, dodging eye contact with authority figures acts as a social lubricant. Rather than expressing skepticism, averting the eyes ensures that harmony within the community is maintained and that younger generations display appropriate reverence.